Rating: 82.5%

Our Rating

Rating: 82.5/100. The Horizon Evolve 5 is among its brand’s better buys. This elliptical machine is the top option in the Evolve Series, which is Horizon’s more affordable line compared with the Elite Series. The Evolve 5 has a smooth-running 23-pound drive, and its elliptical path is a very natural-feeling 20″. To help you train effectively it arrives with 37 workout programs, plus it works with Passport Virtual Active workout videos. These virtual reality videos (sold separately) cover scenic real-life paths and adjust to the intensity of your workout. Other highlights of the Evolve 5 are iPod compatibility, a wireless connection for exporting fitness data, a rack for your tablet computer, and an integrated water bottle holder.

Here are pros and cons to consider.

Pros:

Easy assembly (Only three steps!)

Moving arm bars

Optimal handlebar spacing

Cushioned grips

Comfortable Q-factor (Narrow pedal spacing)

20″ stride

Cushioned pedal inserts

23-pound flywheel

In-reach resistance controls

32 built-in workouts

Passport Ready (Interactive video)

ViaFit wireless fitness tracking

iPod-compatible (Dock and speakers)

Tablet computer rack

Grip pulse readers

Water bottle holder

Foldable

Compact footprint

Cons:

No incline

No wireless heart rate monitoring

Passport player with Virtual Active videos costs extra

Introduction

The Horizon Evolve 5 is a mid-level elliptical trainer selling for $1,499 online (full price $1,799). It’s a nice step up from the Evolve 3, especially considering the small price difference. The Evolve 5 has a wider resistance range to move trainees into intermediate level workouts. It has good ergonomics, 37 preset workouts, and lots of features to enhance workout time. Here are details about this elliptical’s workout programs and other features.

Workout Programs

With the Horizon Evolve 5 you can choose from a long menu of standard workouts or invest in high-definition video workouts that adjust to your workout pace.

For standard elliptical workouts 37 programs are built into the console. Progress is shown on a 6.25″ LCD with blue backlighting. The data fields are Heart Rate, Time, Speed, Distance, Calories, Resistance, Watts and RPM. Also on screen is a Cardio Compass™ for quick reference.

For immersive video workouts the Evolve 5 is Passport Ready. A Passport player, sold separately, brings high definition footage of gorgeous destinations. The special workout files are shown on your own TV but interact with the elliptical trainer, adjusting audio and video to fit your pace. The Passport player sold for this machine has videos for virtual striding through Northern Italy and the American Southwest. Other destination videos are sold separately.

Horizon Fitness Evolve 5 Features

Evolve elliptical trainers are easy to assemble. After just three steps you’re ready to start training.

The Evolve E5 has a 20″ stride and a 23-pound drive.

ViaFit connectivity makes it easy to share your fitness data with exercise apps and social media.

The Horizon Evolve 5 is an iPod-compatible elliptical trainer. A dock and sound system are included for your iPod or other compatible MP3 player.

A tablet computer rack and a water bottle holder are also built into the machine.

The screen for built-in workouts is a 6.25″ LCD with blue backlighting. If Passport videos are used, these are shown on a home television.

For pulse monitoring the Evolve 5 has grip sensors on the handlebars. A “Cardio Compass” on the data display is a helpful quick reference.

The Evolve 5 is a foldable elliptical. A hydraulic system does the job; no heavy lifting required.

Warranty & Guarantee

The Horizon Evolve 5 warranty includes:

– Frame: Lifetime

– Parts: 3 Years

– Labor: 1 Year

Horizon also includes a 30-day money back guarantee on its ellipticals.

Conclusion

The Horizon Evolve 5 is the best elliptical in its series, yet it costs just $200 more than the entry-level Evolve 3. This well-built cardio trainer provides comfortable workouts and boasts an impressive list of features to enhance workout time. Keep in mind though that Passport interactive training costs extra.

Other Horizon Fitness Ellipticals

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